Catheter

Percutaneous nephrostolithotomy (or nephrolithotomy) is the passing of a special medical instrument through your skin into your kidney. This is done to get rid of kidney stones.

Most stones pass out of the body on their own through urine. When they do not, your doctor may recommend these procedures.

During the procedure, you lie on your stomach on a table. You are given a shot of lidocaine. This is the same medicine your dentist uses to numb your mouth. The doctor or nurse may give you medicines to help you relax and reduce pain.

If you have nephrostomy only:

The doctor inserts a needle into your skin. Then the nephrostomy catheter is passed through the needle into your kidney.

You may feel pressure and discomfort when the catheter is inserted.

A special type of x-ray is used to make sure the catheter is in the right place.

x-ray

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray particles through the body. The im...

Pieces of the stone may block urine flow from your kidney. This may cause very bad pain or damage to the kidney.

Kidney infection.

Before the Procedure

Tell your doctor or nurse:

If you are or could be pregnant.

What medicines you are taking. These include medicines, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

If you have been drinking a lot of alcohol.

You are allergic to contrast dye used during x-rays.

On the day of the surgery:

You may be asked not to drink or eat anything for at least 6 hours before the procedure.

Take the medicines your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.

Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital. Be sure to arrive on time.

After the Procedure

You are taken to the recovery room. You may be able to eat soon if you do not have an upset stomach.

You may be able to go home within 24 hours. If there are problems, your doctor may keep you in the hospital longer.

The doctor will take out the tubes if x-rays show that the kidney stones are gone and your kidney has healed. If stones are still there, you may have the same procedure again soon.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Percutaneous nephrostolithotomy or nephrolithotomy almost always help ease the symptoms of kidney stones. Often, the doctor is able to get rid of your kidney stones completely. Sometimes you need to have other procedures to get rid of the stones.

Most people who are treated for kidney stones need to make lifestyle changes so that their bodies do not make new kidney stones. These changes include avoiding certain foods and not taking certain vitamins. Some people also have to take medicines to keep new stones from forming.